Proper fireplace safety is extremely important. Even if you have been using your fireplace for years, it is important to brush up on your fire safety rules.
Here are some fireplace safety rules for both wood burning and gas fireplaces:
· Open the damper before starting a wood burning fire
· Leave flue open, even if fire is only smoldering
· Teach children about dangers of fire
· Use a chimney cap
· Do not use lighter fluid to start a fire
· Use long matches
· For gas fireplaces, light as soon as gas is turned on
· Have your chimney inspected annually
· Keep decorations and flammables away from the fire
· Never leave a wood burning fire burning while you are not there to watch after it
· Use a mesh screen with your wood burning fire, and leave glass doors open
· Do not burn trash in your fireplace
· Keep the top of your chimney and roof clear of debris like pine needles and even low hanging branches.
· Realize that artificial logs are not the same as real wood – make sure you read the instructions on an artificial log before you use it, and do not add one to a wood fire already burning.
· When done with a wood burning fire, and once the ashes have cooled, clean them out in preparation for the next fire.
· Do not use charcoal in your fireplace – doing so puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
· If you have children, make sure that you have a guard around your gas fireplace – children can get burned not just by the fire but by the glass and metal doors surrounding the fire.
· If you have a gas fireplace, make sure that you have at least two places in which you can turn off the flow of gas, just in case one of them malfunctions for some reason.
· With a gas fireplace, you should stay aware of any unusual smells or flames – they could be a sign that your fireplace is not working properly.
Again, realize that fireplace safety is extremely important. Realize that not properly following fireplace safety guidelines could end with harm to all that you hold most dear – yourself, your children, your possessions, your home, etc.
It is most definitely worth brushing up on your fireplace safety.
About the Author:
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on fireplaces and fireplace safety, please visit Fireplace Doors. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
| Published: October 2, 2007 /Fire Safe Tips, Fireplace Safety, Home Fire Safety |  Print This Post
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Every responsible homeowner has smoke detectors, but few have any kind of automatic fire sprinkler system installed. It is true, that a house using a well-maintained smoke detector in every room is likely to detect a fire in its early stages, which greatly increases the chances of escaping safely, but for me, I want the best possible protection for my family. I had never realize that there was more to fire prevention than smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and of course a house that is up to building codes until I began my job working in a manufacturer warehouse. It was only then that I noticed something that every industrial building has, but few homes do – something that can ultimately mean the difference between life and death in a fire. That something is, of course, automatic fire sprinklers.
Automatic fire sprinkler manufacturers have been making this equipment for factories, warehouses, and even in office buildings for many years, but have never quite made a complete foray into the consumer market. This is a shame, as they are such a logical extension of the smoke detector. The way that automatic fire sprinklers work is very simple. When heavy smoke is detected in a room, it sets off the sprinklers in the ceiling. These rain down a substantial amount of water – enough to quench a fire in its beginning stages, or to slow one that is more advanced.
Of course, automatic fire sprinklers do have their drawbacks which make them sort of problematic for a household environment. Having that much water raining down in a room can really put a damper on your day, so to speak. Carpets, books, clothing, and even walls can be ruined, and mildew growth can be stimulated by thoroughly soaking a room. This means that automatic fire sprinklers are not a good idea for the kitchen or adjoining rooms.
Of course, in the environment where automatic fire sprinklers are traditionally used, this is not a problem at all. Smoke in a kitchen might just mean a minor cooking accident, but smoke in a manufacturer warehouse almost always spells trouble. The same goes for an office building, or a factory. In the den, the bedrooms, and many hallways, however, automatic fire sprinklers just make sense. Although they are expensive, and do not absolutely eliminate the chance of fire, a good automatic fire sprinklers system is, in my opinion worth it because it does make my family somewhat safer.
You can find much more information on Automatic Fire Sprinklers as well as more information on all types of sprinklers at http://www.sprinklersa-z.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards
| Published: September 23, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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In 2004, the 410 thousand residential fires in America caused more than 14 thousand injuries and 3 thousand deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). You can prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, and even most residential fires by being knowledgeable about fire safety. Ensure your and your family’s safety by creating an escape plan, teaching children fire safety and fire-proofing your home.
Fire Safety Escape Plan
a fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.
When discussing fire safety issues with your family, it is also a good idea to talk about each person’s responsibilities in the case of a fire, such as who helps whom out of the house. Be sure to explain to each family member to crawl to a safe exit; don’t stop to save anything, and, if possible, to alert others by yelling “FIRE!” or beating on doors as they crawl by.
Fire Safety and Kids
Fire safety and education begins with children. Tragically, children cause over thousands of residential fires each year, the majority stemming from children playing with matches. You need to teach your children to obey the following fire safety rules: Never play with matches or lighters, always have an adult help you when cooking, never touch gasoline or any other flammable liquids,
Always STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! If you or your clothes catch on fire. Never place anything into an electrical outlet and always get help from an adult if something catches on fire.Your children are the most important people in your life, so educate them about fire safety and prevention.
Fire Safety and Your Home
Electrical fires are the most common type of residential fires in America. The following fire safety tips lower the probability of residential electrical fires: Don’t overload outlets or piggy-back extension cords, Keep all combustible items, such as hairspray and household cleaners, away from all heaters, Check all electrical tools and appliances for frayed or cracked cords, Purchase electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter’s Laboratory’s (UL) safety requirements and Keep children away from electrical appliances, such as heaters and irons.
Electric stoves, ovens, stereos, heaters, and clothes dryers are responsible for the majority residential electrical fires. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions, and use all appliances carefully and responsibly. Sometimes, no matter the precautionary fire safety steps you take, an electrical fire can still occur. If this happens, knowing the proper fire safety procedure is invaluable in keeping your home safe. Shut off burning appliances by unplugging the cord, Put out small fires with your home fire extinguisher, Do not put water on electrical fires, Get everyone out of the house and Do not try to handle large fires by yourself; call 911, report the fire, and tell them it is an electrical fire.
Educating yourself and your family on fire safety helps to lower your chances of a residential fire and gives you the knowledge of what to do in the case of a fire.
About the Author: Where you can find out more about Fire Alarm Systems and articles on Smoke and Fire Detectors. Read more articles by Ralph Winn. Article Source www.iSnare.com.
| Published: March 19, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety is Important
If you run or work in a commercial kitchen you’ll be well aware of fire safety rules and what to do in the event of a fire. You’ll know the importance of cleaning up after yourself, not just for hygiene reasons, but also from a fire safety point of view. However, are you aware of the necessity to carry out regular “deep cleans”, particularly of the kitchen extraction system?
Dirty, greasy extraction systems can pose a serious fire hazard. It doesn’t matter if you have the most powerful filter – they simply cannot eliminate all the vaporised grease that a catering establishment can produce.
By having a regular kitchen extraction system deep clean you can:
• Improve hygiene standards
• Lower insurance premiums
• Improve ventilation for smoke and odor removal
• Dramatically reduce risk of fire
• Comply with Health & Safety regulations
Health and Safety regulations demand that your kitchen is kept meticulously clean, but you won’t comply with these rules if you don’t deep clean your business’s extraction system. This sort of deep clean concentrates on the ductwork. Even though you can’t see it, it is vitally important, as this is where all the carbon and solidified cooking oils build up.
Besides the obvious safety requirements, making sure your extraction system is spotless will also lower your insurance systems. A specialist cleaning service will also advise you of the specific access problems your system poses and provide solutions.
How often should you get your extraction system cleaned, though? The Heating & Ventilation Contractors’ Association recommends the following based on the hours of usage:
• 12-16 hours per day - clean every 3 months
• 6-12 hours per day - clean every 6 months
• 2-6 hours per day - clean annually
As a business you can’t afford to risk not getting your kitchen extraction system frequently cleaned and inspected. To not do it, puts your whole business under threat, but by making it part of your normal monthly or yearly routine, you will reap the benefits.
About the Author: E & D Ventilation Solutions specialise in kitchen extract deep cleaning in catering establishments. Visit their website now by clicking on kitchen cleaning. Read more articles by E & D Ventilation Solutions. Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: March 16, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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People always say that an ounce of prevention is way much better than a pound of cure. It’s really true when it comes to fire - it’s so destructive that in a blink of an eye it could take away all your possessions, and even your life. So in order to protect yourself and family, here are general prevention tips you should practice at home.
At Home
1. A burning lamp or candle should be placed away from the curtains and should be placed in a spot where the wind, pets and little children could not topple it. Never leave it unattended or else the fire might spread to the curtains. Put it out before sleeping.
2. Keep matches and lighters away from children’s reach.
3. Flammable objects like gasoline and alcohol must be stored in a safe place. Cover flammable containers lightly.
4. Clean your roof and attic regularly. Get rid of leaves, wood shavings and other rubbish that could start fire.
5. When burning all the rubbish, make sure the fire is totally put out, and no smoe could be seen. Extinguish all smoldering coals.
6. Never, ever smoke in bed. After smoking, make sure the flame is out completely, without any presence of smoke.
7. Before retiring at night or leaving the house, inspect all the appliances and check if they’re already turned off. Check all the wires, cables and tanks.
8. Educate your children on what to do in case of fire.
9. Always place your door keys somewhere near the door, or on the door itslef. Make sure every one in the family knows where the keys are. Better yet, make sure they have duplicates of it, so in case of fire, you’ll be able to make your way out. Never mix the door keys with other keys.
In The Kitchen
1. When cooking, don’t leave the stove unattended. Keep little children and flammable objects away from it.
2. Check your kitchen regularly for gas/oil leaks.
3. Avoid wearing loose clothes when cooking as it might catch fire.
4. Always use potholders when holding something hot, like frying pans or kettles.
5. Don’t reach over a burning stove. You might get burned or your clothes might catch fire.
What To Do In Case Of Fire
When your clothes catch fire, don’t panic. Immediately fall to the ground and roll to put out the fire. Running will only make the fire spread to other areas or parts of your clothes and will therefore make it intense. If this is not possible, use a blanket or towel.
When you’re in a hotel, don’t forget to check the fire exit’s location. You’ll never when know the unexpected occurs.
Cover your nose and mouth with a wet towel or hanky and crawl your way out if your room is filled with smoke.
Remember, it is always safer to know what you should do to keep accidents from happening, and know how to respond to the situation when it’s there, than to panic due to ignorance. Take care!
About the Author:This article appears on www.Free-Articles-On-Health.com/Home-Health. Free Articles On Health is the newest article directory that offers a wide range of topics and health issues. Visit us now for more free quality content, or to submit your own health articles. Read more articles by D. Azogue . Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: March 12, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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Many damage hazards in your office can be prevented easily if you pay attention to the details and prevent them beforehand. Preventing fire in the office is important and can save a lot of time and money as recovering burned files and data can be very expensive. Even if your budget does not allow you to hire a professional to fire-proof your office, there are still some simple routines and techniques that will allow you increase office safety. Preparedness is a key feature so it is recommended to learn all possible fire escape routes and how to activate the fire alarm, become familiar with stairway exits, and practice fire drills often.
Electrical Safety
Many of the office fires often start as a result of an electricity malfunction or misuse. Keeping your electrical system and maintaining them to provide maximum safety is an important step in preventing office fires. Do not overload electricity outlets. Simply make sure you have a sufficient number of outlets. By having a sufficient number of power outlets, you will also minimize the use if extension cords and reduce the chance for fire. If you must use an extension cord, never run it across walkways. Is it very unsafe to use poor quality, non-approved office appliances such as coffee makers, copiers, and even computers as defective appliances have a bigger chance of causing electrical shorts.
Gas
Gas is very dangerous as it can be easily ignited. If you smell gas or even just suspect a gas leak call a gas technician to investigate. Other flammable materials are also a hazard and should not be stored in the office. However, if you must store them in your office, be sure to seal them properly to prevent vaporizing.
Fire Safety
Purchase and maintain fire defenses such as: smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers. Smoke detectors are an important line of defense, install and maintain them frequently. Be sure to test detectors and replace batteries as required. It is recommended to install sprinklers to fight fire immediately as it starts. For smaller offices, extinguishers are another important tool for fire fighting. Purchase and maintain a sufficient number of extinguishers and make sure that everybody who works in your office knows where the extinguishers are installed and how to operate them.
About the Author:Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member for http://restorationsos.com, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com or call 1-877-SOS-2407. Read more articles by Jonathan Meyer. Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: March 9, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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A Worthy Safety Investment
A fire alarm system alerts people in the building of a possible fire. They help protect those inside by notifying them that they need to evacuate for safety. Most fire alarm systems will also automatically notify the nearest emergency personnel so they can take care of the fire.
Fire alarms can be triggered by smoke detectors, heat detectors, or manually. They are generally set to detect levels of smoke or heat that may indicate a fire. There is a loud bell that sounds to alert those in the building. This may also come with lights that blink in case of someone who is hearing impaired. There are many models of fire alarm systems on the market. Research for which one is best can be done on the Internet or by doing a search in your local area for manufacturers. Many fire alarm systems come bundled with intruder alert systems for maximum safety and protection of your home.
There are two costs to a system. The cost of the equipment can either be purchased or leased. The system will need to be installed which may also add a one-time fee. Systems start at approximately $20.00 for basic models and range up to $2,000.00 for more sophisticated models. For home use, a basic system with monitoring is usually sufficient. These will range anywhere from $100.00 to $300.00.
Because the system will alert the local fire department, there is also a monitoring fee generally paid monthly. These are typically inexpensive and cost approximately $30.00 per month. The one time expense of the equipment, installation, and the regular payments for monitoring are a valuable investment. Considering the costs associated with fire damage or the tragedies of losing a life in a fire, the investment is well worth it.
It is important to know what to do in case the alarm goes off. Fire drills are helpful in ensuring everyone in the family knows what to do. Practice this at least annually. If there is a small fire, one person should be in charge of using a fire extinguisher while the others leave the area. For a larger fire, everyone should immediately evacuate the premises and gather at a predetermined location. Once everyone is there, a count should be taken to ensure everyone is out safely.
A fire alarm system should be tested annually to ensure it is working properly. Notify the fire department of this before testing so they do not come out needlessly. False alarms are often charged to the consumer to account for the time wasted. A fire alarm system is a valuable investment. It can help provide safety and security to your family and home.
About the Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for FlameAlarm.com. To learn more about fire alarm systems and fire alarm monitoring, visit us. Read more articles by Gray Rollins. Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: March 5, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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As you inspect your home, trying to fire proof it, you must keep in mind that your outdoors area is also a part of your home. Do not forget to inspect your patio, back yard, roof and garden when trying to minimize fire hazards as these places are as important as the indoors sections of your home.
Wood Stored in the Backyard
Storing wood in your backyard requires that you follow the basic fire prevention rules to minimize the chance that wood will catch fire that may lead to a larger scale disaster. If you make sure to maintain your wood safely, you can reduce the occurrence, size, and intensity of a fire. As a first line of defense, create a 30 feet safety clearance around stored wood. A green lawn is a good safety parameter, as long as clean of fire catching debris.
Plant Safe
As there are some plants that ate more fire resistant than others, it is smart to plant these plants in the safety zone. Even with this kind of plants you must remove dry leaves, dead limbs, twigs and debris to prevent them from fueling a small fire into a more intense fire. Thin out trees and keep a fifteen feet space between crowns. This will help reducing the chance of fire spreading. If you own high trees or cannot perform this job yourself, hire a professional to do that for you. In addition, remove limbs and dead branches from 6 to 10 feet of the ground to prevent fire from spreading from the ground to the trees.
Roofing
In the past, roofs were built of hazardous, flammable materials and many home losses were a direct result of the roof catching fire. Nowadays, there are new trends that promote fire safety. Consider using non-combustible roofing materials. When building or replacing the roof. Non-combustible materials include class A shingles, metal, or terra cotta. If you don’t have plans to rebuild your roof any time soon, you can still treat it with fire retardant processes and reduce roof flammability.
Barbecue Grills
Barbecue frills require maintenance. Clean your grill and keep it free of dirt and debris build ups. You will find it easier to clean the grill after every use and remove dust and cobwebs before they build up. Check your hose and confirm it is in good condition and cracks free. Never use damaged propane tanks.
About the Author: Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com or call 1-877-SOS-2407. Read more articles by Jonathan Meyer. Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: March 2, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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Kitchen Fire Safety is Key
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in your house as it contains many hazards and a high potential for unintentional fires.
Frying Pans and Deep Fry Pans
Using a thermostat controlled fryer is a great way to prevent deep fry pans fires. Avoid fat and grease build up on the stove or pans because fat and grease can easily catch fire.
Oven and Stove
The oven and range must be cleaned often to prevent grease and food from catching fire. Be careful when you cook and keep pot handles away from the edge of the stove. Don’t wear long sleeves that can hang over the stove and catch fire. Always look on the oven when it is on and don’t forget to turn it off when not in use. Place flammable fabrics, such as towels, away from the gas or electric range. Be careful with flammable liquids such as cleaning materials.
Appliances
The most important safety rule for appliances is to use only appliances that have been tested and approved by a testing facility. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and check for worn or broken wiring on a regular basis. If you find defects be sure to make necessary repairs immediately. It is also very important to keep appliance cords on the counter to prevent them from, accidentally, being pulled down.
Microwave Ovens
A very common mistake regarding microwave ovens is the wrong assumption that items, heated in the microwave oven, are not as hot as items heated in a regular oven or a mini oven. Keep in mind that even though the container does not heat, the content does. Be sure all the vents are cleared of obstructions and that the microwave oven has an adequate clearance for air circulation. Never place aluminum foil or other metals in a microwave oven.
About the Author: Jonathan Meyer is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com or call 1-877-767-2407. Read more articles by Jonathan Meyer. Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: February 26, 2007 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
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This year the staff here at Fire Safe House.com are hoping to fly to New York to see the New Hackensack Fire Company Fire Expo and then drive down and take in some sights in the Big Apple! We have a yearly fire expo here in southern Arizona but it would be nice to check out what other cities are doing around the U.S.
None of us have ever been to New York before but preparation to get there should be pretty easy since we decided to use EasyToBook.com for our New York hotel needs. They help you by sending their experts to hotels and doing extensive research about each facility. Then they compile all the important details and photos of the many New York hotels onto their website. This saves us lots of time and makes it easy for for us to pick the hotel that’s right for us even though we are clear across the country.
While surfing EasyToBook.com we found many lovely hotels in New York City and will be making our finalized travel plans soon. We’ll keep you posted about the details of the trip and hope to see some of you native New Yorkers at the expo!
Related Link: New York Auto Insurance free quotes
| Published: February 21, 2007 /Site News | Print This Post
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